Chinese characteristic e-Learning technical solution SkyClass: A novel e-Learning system over satellite and computer network

Aiming at three serious problems in educational area of China, i.e., short of excellent educational resources, digital disparity and fast growth of continue education and professional training, a novel e-Learning system called SkyClass over the hybrid network based on satellite and computer network is designed, SkyClass has the obvious merits in the combination of satellite\´s full coverage transmission capability and computer network\´s bi-direction communication. This report presents SkyClass architecture and system design scheme, it is a "five in one"solution, which involves living teaching field broadcasting, recording, learning on demand, resources management and Web answering five functions. Key technologies in SkyClass implementation, such as the design of kernel component for connection of satellite and internet named DVB/IP gateway, large scale interactions among teacher and students, multiple fields recording and stream media courseware generating, vast amount of e-Learning resources management, and so on are discussed in this presentation. SkyClass has been implemented and applied in Xinjiang, Gansu, Shaanxi, Henan etc. 11 provinces in west and middle of China. It makes great contribution to the China\´s e-Learning project and saves about one billion yuans of education cost. This achievement won the 2006 annual National Science and Technology Progress Award of China.